The first-place finisher in the race to succeed Gavin Newsom as California governor has been announced.
Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra has officially secured a place in California’s November gubernatorial election, guaranteeing that Democrats will not be shut out of the race despite a crowded field of candidates.
CNN’s Decision Desk projected Friday that Becerra would advance to the general election after building an insurmountable lead over several rivals competing for one of the top two spots.
The result comes as a major relief for California Democrats, who had worried that multiple candidates splitting the vote could potentially allow two Republicans to advance under the state’s top-two primary system.
Instead, Becerra’s advancement ensures Democrats will have a nominee on the November ballot.
“I’m so humbled and honored to be moving on to the general election to become your next governor,” Becerra said in a video posted to X. “Let’s go win this thing.”
While Becerra’s spot is secure, the race for the second position remains unresolved.
Former Fox News host Steve Hilton, the Republican candidate backed by President Donald Trump, remains in contention along with billionaire Democratic activist Tom Steyer.
Election officials have not yet projected which candidate will ultimately claim the second runoff position.
Since Election Day, however, Becerra steadily expanded his lead over both Hilton and Steyer, eliminating any doubt about his advancement.
If Hilton ultimately secures the second spot, he would face a difficult path in the general election.
California remains one of the most Democratic states in the nation, with approximately 4.6 million more registered Democrats than Republicans according to the state’s latest voter registration figures.
The last Republican governor elected in California was Arnold Schwarzenegger, who won reelection two decades ago.
The primary campaign itself highlighted significant challenges facing Democrats.
Several high-profile Democratic figures who could have consolidated support declined to enter the race, including former Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla.
Without a clear frontrunner, Democrats found themselves divided among numerous candidates throughout much of the campaign.
Former Rep. Katie Porter (D) briefly emerged as an early favorite before her campaign collapsed following the circulation of several controversial videos that damaged her standing with voters.
Later, attention shifted toward then-Rep. Eric Swalwell (D), after he entered the race in late 2025.
That campaign ended abruptly after reports surfaced alleging sexual misconduct. Swalwell denied the accusations but withdrew from the race shortly afterward and resigned from Congress.
His departure created an opening that Becerra successfully exploited.
The former congressman, California attorney general, and Biden administration cabinet secretary centered his campaign on experience and government leadership.
Becerra argued throughout the race that California’s challenges required a leader with a proven record managing complex crises.
At the same time, opponents repeatedly targeted that record.
Critics attacked Becerra’s handling of issues ranging from the child migrant crisis to the federal government’s response to the mpox outbreak.
He also faced political fallout after a former chief of staff pleaded guilty to fraud involving campaign funds.
Becerra himself has not been accused of wrongdoing in that matter.
Supporters defended his record and argued that many of the attacks were politically motivated.
Former Biden White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain previously told CNN that Becerra inherited difficult situations and worked tirelessly to address them.
As the governor’s race continues to unfold, another closely watched California contest remains unresolved.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has already secured a place in the November election, but the battle for second place remains undecided, CNN reported.
Reality television personality Spencer Pratt continues to hold second place, though City Councilwoman Nithya Raman has gained ground as additional ballots are counted.
For Democrats statewide, however, Friday’s projection removed one major concern.
Regardless of who ultimately joins him on the ballot, Xavier Becerra will be competing for California governor this November.
This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
